World Cup 2010: S.F. fans flock to TVs

WORLD CUP 2010

Thousands of people flocked to television sets at public squares, bars and even the ballpark on a hot, sunny Saturday to watch the U.S. team face off against England in its first World Cup 2010 game.

Fans took the matter seriously, draping themselves in red, white and blue, waving American flags, painting their faces and chanting "U-S-A!" at every opportunity as they watched the 11:30 a.m. match, which ended in a 1-1 draw.

"Football is a globally uniting game. There's not a place it doesn't touch, so it's not surprising how popular it is, especially in San Francisco, which is such a global melting pot," said Ralph Torres, who came to AT&T Park with his wife, Karen, from Elk Grove.

Carolina Guerrero agreed. The Colombia native caught the game at Civic Center Plaza, where organizers set up a giant screen near Polk Street. The showing was a joint venture between the city's Recreation and Park Department, the youth soccer and literacy program America Scores and the green bus company Teacherbus; they will continue to broadcast games throughout the monthlong tournament.

"People definitely care - this city is so mixed and culturally diverse," said Guerrero, who had stripped down to a bikini to catch some rays but was waving her red, white and blue dress.

Jennifer Moak of San Leandro cheers on the USA team during introductions Saturday. Thousands of fans packed into AT&T Park in San Francisco to watch the United States face England in their first FIFA World Cup 2010 match in South Africa. less

Jennifer Moak of San Leandro cheers on the USA team during introductions Saturday. Thousands of fans packed into AT&T Park in San Francisco to watch the United States face England in their first FIFA World Cup ... more

Photo: Lance Iversen, The Chronicle

Photo: Lance Iversen, The Chronicle

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Jennifer Moak of San Leandro cheers on the USA team during introductions Saturday. Thousands of fans packed into AT&T Park in San Francisco to watch the United States face England in their first FIFA World Cup 2010 match in South Africa. less

Jennifer Moak of San Leandro cheers on the USA team during introductions Saturday. Thousands of fans packed into AT&T Park in San Francisco to watch the United States face England in their first FIFA World Cup ... more

Photo: Lance Iversen, The Chronicle

World Cup 2010: S.F. fans flock to TVs

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The Torreses were also decked out head to toe in U.S. colors - stars-and-stripes socks and all - and brought extra flags to hand out to their neighbors. They left their two soccer-playing kids at home, but said they'd be watching plenty of games as a family.

"We have the DVR set, starting at 6:30 a.m." he said.

Like many soccer fans, the couple professed interest in other teams (South Africa and Germany, in his case, Argentina and Spain in hers) - unless they are playing the United States, of course.

"I sort of remember the last World Cup, but not very well," he said as he watched the game at the ballpark intently with his mom. "I'm excited."

Of course, there were England fans as well - as evidenced by the cheers that erupted when the team scored the first goal of the game, just four minutes in.

Stuart Bagshaw, chairman of the British-American Business Council, rallied about 350 people to come to the ballpark. The United Kingdom native has lived in San Francisco for nearly 20 years and sported a shirt and visor splashed with his home country's flag.

"I'm British by birth, but I choose to live here, so I get to celebrate no matter what," he said, adding that American fans were welcome in the council's section. "We'll let anybody in, as long as they have a beer in both hands."